Friday 4 November 2016

CQC Publishes Advice for Families with Relatives in Care Homes


The CQC has published information for people living in care homes, their family and friends clarifying their visiting rights and the CQC’s expectations of providers who are responsible for ensuring people are supported to maintain relationships that are important to them.

The publication of this advice follows a number of high profile cases in the media where relatives have experienced visiting restrictions, or their loved ones being forced to leave against their wishes, after raising concerns with those in charge of running care homes.

The guidance is designed to help people looking to understand their rights when a loved one moves into a care home, and to make sure providers are very clear about their obligations.

The CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said “Care homes are people’s homes. They, their family and friends should not live in fear of being penalised for raising concerns.
“Good providers know this and we see plenty of excellent practice where managers and staff respond to complaints positively and make sure it is as easy as possible for people to visit their loved ones in a welcoming, friendly environment.

“But we know this is not always everyone’s experience, with reports of visiting restrictions and people being forced to leave against their wishes. We also know that too many people are frightened to raise concerns because they think this is going to happen.

“We have published information to clarify people’s rights and our expectations of providers so that people living in care homes, their family and friends can be more confident that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon by providers responsible for delivering safe, compassionate and high quality care.”

To view the latest guidance click here.

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